Obit

Amano, 80

JAPANESE COLUMNIST and advertising critic Yukichi Amano died of pneumonia last October 20. He was 80.

Amano wrote a column for The Asahi Shimbun and for other newspapers and magazines. He discussed a wide range of issues including economics and politics. (Renowned columnist ad critic Amano dies at 80, The Japan Times)

Amano also worked at  publishing firm Sogensha Inc. and the advertising agency Hakuhodo, Inc. In 1979, Amano founded Kokoku Hihyo, a monthly magazine that publishes advertising critiques.

Amano was given the NHK Broadcast Cultural Award in 2004. Later, he served as chairperson of the committee of Broadcasting Ethics & Program Improvement Organization.

Vox Populi, a daily column of The Asahi Shimbun, said last October 22: “Amano served as a meteorological observatory and was an adept forecaster of social trends. Many readers will miss him sorely. Asahi’s Wednesday newspaper just got a little less interesting.” (VOX POPULI: Yukichi Amano, a master forecaster of social trends, will sorely be missed, The Asahi Shimbun)